World Cup qualifying: 3 things to watch in United States vs. Panama

United States (1-2-0, 3 points) v. Panama (1-1-1, 4 points)

Where: Estadio Rommel Fernandez, Panama City.
When: Tuesday, 10pm ET.
Television coverage: beIN Sports USA and NBC Universo
Competition: CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, final round
U.S. results so far: 1-2 v. Mexico (h), 0-4 v. Costa Rica (a), 6-0 v. Honduras (h).

THINGS TO WATCH

1. Strength in depth

The U.S. has long claimed a deep roster as one of its primary strengths, now it has a chance to prove it. Goalscorer Sebastian Lletget and defender John Brooks were both hurt on Friday, Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood, Fabian Johnson and a series of others are still out, and head coach Bruce Arena admitted as many as five changes could be made. How they cope could decide the outcome.

Latest USMNT coverage: 

Fearless USMNT won't back down — and will think big with World Cup in sight

U.S. men's national team lightens up thanks to Bruce Arena

2. Young and old
 
Christian Pulisic and Clint Dempsey are 16 years apart in age but their rapport against Honduras made it feel like they had been combining for years. Pulisic likes having a bold and powerful runner to feed the ball to, while Dempsey, like anyone would, enjoys the pinpoint accuracy and vision of Pulisic’s passes. The combination has the ability to carve open defenses if it continues to flourish.
 
3. Panamanian pride
 
Panama had its heart broken by the U.S. ahead of the 2014 World Cup. In the final qualifying game, needing to win to reach a World Cup playoff, Panama was leading but conceded two late goals to the U.S. to see its dreams of reaching the tournament crushed. The home side is still burdened by those demons, but is desperate for revenge.